Employee Intranet

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can affect any part of the body. A germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the disease.

TB is spread through the air when an infected person sprays out droplets by coughing, speaking or singing. Some droplets don’t fall to the ground but remain suspended in the air, then break apart and leave very tiny germs. These germs must be inhaled and get down into the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of a person’s lungs for someone to become infected.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis:

Productive cough – usually lasting more than 3 weeks

Unexplained fever

Night sweats

Unintentional weight loss

Loss of appetite

Extreme tiredness

Coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum

A TB skin test is given to determine TB infection. You can get this test at the Health Department or your primary physicians office. Pubic Health investigates and monitors cases of TB to control transmission and prevent community outbreaks. We also provide medication and chest x-rays if needed.

TB Program services to TB suspects, TB cases and contacts of TB cases are provided at no charge, regardless of ability to pay. Services to others are available for a nominal fee.